Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 12th December - Fine apart from some morning and evening cloud. Southwesterlies, strengthening in the morning, then easing at night.Saturday 13th December - Fine. Southeasterlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 14th December - Fine. Easterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 12th December - Fine. Southerlies easing in the evening.Saturday 13th December - Fine. Southeasterlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 14th December - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the afternoon. Easterlies.

A rare sighting of an adult female matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern) near Matakana has sparked excitement among conservation groups and renewed calls for local predator control.Steve, a landowner on the outskirts of Matakana, was mowing on his ride-on when a large, unfamiliar bird flew over him and landed near his pond.Curious, he stopped the mower, took a few photos, and left the bird to continue foraging undisturbed. After checking online, he realised he’d encountered a matuku-hūrepo – one of Aotearoa’s most secretive and critically endangered wetland birds – and recorded the sighting on lovebittern.com.Adult bitterns stand roughly the height of a dining table, yet most New Zealanders will never see one in their lifetime. Females are even rarer to spot, typically being more cautious and secretive than males. They nest and raise chicks alone, which leaves them especially vulnerable to predators such as cats, stoats and ferrets.The behaviour Steve observed – intense, determined foraging despite his nearby presence – can often indicate a nesting female with chicks close by.Takatu Landcare, supported by The Forest Bridge Trust, responded quickly to the sighting and are now working with Steve to investigate further. A recorder will be installed on his property to listen for the deep “whoom” calls of booming males at dawn and dusk. Detecting a male would help pinpoint a breeding territory and guide urgent predator control to protect the female and any potential chicks. Additional traps are being installed, and Steve has already started speaking with neighbours to create a wider buffer of protection.Locals around Tongue Farm Road and the surrounding area are being encouraged to check and rebait their traps as soon as possible. Anyone wanting to join the effort or access traps can contact Takatu Landcare at [email protected] only an estimated 750–800 matuku-hūrepo left in New Zealand, conservationists say every individual bird – and every remaining wetland habitat – is crucial. Community groups and landowners play a key role in their protection, and sightings like this help guide where support is most needed.People can help bittern conservation by restoring wetland areas, controlling predators, reducing disturbance around ponds and marshes, and reporting any sightings or booming calls. Lovebittern.com offers detailed advice on how to take action, from planting and pest control to supporting wetland restoration projects. To find out more info and how you can help https://lovebittern.com/take-action/This rare glimpse of a female bittern in Matakana is a promising sign for the species in the region, and local volunteers are hopeful that with swift community support, she and her chicks will have the best chance to thrive.

Ellen O'DwyerBiosecurity New Zealand urges Aucklanders to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets or nests, as numbers of the pest keep climbing.Thirty-three Queen Hornets have so far been found in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas of the North Shore - two more since Friday - 21 with developed nests or signs of nests.Biosecurity NZ north commissioner Mike Inglis said the hornets had not spread yet from Glenfield and Birkdale.Officials have put up signs within one kilometre of where the hornets were initially found, including in the suburb of Milford, alerting people to the invasive insect.Biosecurity NZ north commissioner Mike Inglis. Photo: RNZ/Marika KhabaziInglis said that was just to raise awareness of the issue, rather than to signal the hornets had spread."All we are doing is continuing to engage the public, get some signage up."If you spot one, take a picture of it - if it's a nest, take a picture of it. Don't disturb it, contact our hotline and our expert staff will be out to deal with it."Inglis said teams had set more than 617 traps to eradicate the invasive insects, which were nearly twice the size of the common wasp and could wipe out bee colonies.Trapping has already been extended out to 5km from the hornet detections, with a combination of carbohydrate and protein traps.Inglis said staff would consult the technical advisory group overseeing the issue over extending further.The insect traps hanging from trees around some locations in Auckland. Photo: RNZ/Marika KhabaziHe said tracking technology from the Netherlands had arrived, which focused on worker hornets and tracked those hornets back to the nest.There were signs of worker hornets operating and more were likely to appear over the next 4-6 weeks, he said."We'll start to find some worker hornets as well, in terms of they're going out and building a secondary nest, they go foraging generally within the same area."He said Biosecurity NZ had received more than 4860 messages from the public so far about the hornets.This story was originally published by RNZ

Project update - December 2025Tēnā koe and welcome to the Northland Corridor newsletter.We have had a busy month following the NZTA Board’s endorsement of the Northland Corridor Investment Case and the preferred route between Te Hana and Whangārei earlier this year. All landowners within the preferred route should now have recieved their letter communicating this, and we have started to have individual meetings with landowners. Due to the 75 km length of the corridor, individual landowner engagement is occurring in a staged approach, beginning with potentially affected landowners in the Alternative to the Brynderwyns Hills section.Landowners between Waipu and Whangārei will be contacted again early next year with further information to book in their individual meetings with the project team.These meetings are an opportunity to discuss indicative land impact plans for individual properties, geotechnical and environmental assessments, and outline the next steps toward route protection. Within these sessions landowners will be invited to discuss their individual requirements and share valuable insights with the project team.We understand that waiting for a meeting may be frustrating, so we want to thank landowners for their patience while we work through this process. There is some more information for landowners below.Now that all landowners have received their letters, we are sharing overview maps of each section of the preferred route on our website. These are called ‘long plot maps’. Long plot map shows the preferred route over a large area. It helps show how the project fits into the wider landscape. Read on for more information on these.We have also been busy undertaking geotechnical and environmental investigations along the preferred route. All this important data helps us us to refine the corridor further, prior to lodging Notices of Requirement (NoR) in 2026. There is more information on what we are doing in this space below as well as a video showing some of our geotechnical investigations in the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section and a spotlight on bat and lizard monitoring.Procurement for Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana is also progressing well, with the evaluation phase expected to start before the end of this year and continue into the first quarter of 2026. Following a negotiation period, the contract is expected is expected to be awarded at the end of July 2026.FAQSWhat are the next milestones for the project?Once we have completed landowner engagement and the refinement of the preferred route, we will move into the route protection phase for the whole corridor. This means securing the land we need by legal designation through the Notice of Requirement (NoR) process. Route protection provides certainty for landowners and helps with future planning.To address the critical resilience issues to the Brynderwyn Hills, we plan to lodge the NoR and resource consent applications for the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section of the project first, and we expect to do this by mid-2026. NoR lodgement for the remaining sections between Te Hana and Whangārei is expected to occur in late 2026.Link to timeline PDFWhen do you expect to be able to confirm property impacts for landowners?We will confirm property impacts with individual landowners about a month prior to lodging the NoR for each section.Are there any more community info sessions coming up?Our priority at the moment is to meet with individual landowners. The volume of meetings currently being held means we won’t be having any more community info sessions until the current round of engagement with landowners is completed mid-2026. You can always reach out to our team via email or phone if you have questions. Email [email protected] or phone us on 0800 927 293.More information for landowners is available here: SH1 Northland Corridor information sheet for landowners – October 2025Who considers the project’s NoR and consent applications?The project plans to use the Fast-track Approvals Act (FTAA). Under the FTAA, the NoR is lodged with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who appoints an independent expert panel to consider and make a formal decision on the application. This may take 6 to 9 months. If you are an affected party, you may receive a request from the EPA to provide comment.Why does the preferred route go to the west between Finlayson Brook Road and Port Marsden Highway?The location of the preferred route reflects resilience, safety, and value for money tradeoffs, and environmental, cultural and geotechnical considerations, particularly avoiding known flooding risks and geotechnical challenges between the base of the Brynderwyn Hills and Whangārei. It also reflects the importance of a direct connect into Waipu and allows flexibility to respond to the planned growth for Ruakākā, avoids impacts to Ruakākā School, while maximising efficiency for movements to the Port.For the preferred route between Finlayson Brook Road and Port Marsden Highway, a new road to the west of the existing state highway 1 was selected as it is the lowest cost option and has the best cut/fill balance to enable efficient construction.Widening of the existing state highway 1 was discounted due to the complexity of retaining access to existing SH1 properties. This would result in higher cost, constructability issues and ultimately wider final footprint due to requirement for service lanes. In addition, it would be much more disruptive during construction to the travelling public if the existing highway was widened.Preferred Route Te Hana to Whangārei long plot mapsNow that all landowner letters have been sent out long plot maps of the preferred route corridor are now available on our website. A long plot map shows the preferred route over a large area. It helps show how the project fits into the wider landscape. They are indicative only, and do not show the final area or where the new road will go.What do the yellow dotted lines mean?They show the boundary of the preferred route, not where the final road will go.Why does the corridor look so wide in places?There are still many different places the final route may go within the preferred route. We are at the route protection stage, which means we are working towards protecting the land for future planning to build the road. The area we will protect needs to give room for further environmental and geotechnical investigations, innovation in future design, and allow for the extra area we will need during construction of the road, for things such as lay down areas, access, stormwater systems and other required mitigation areas.Is this the final area you will be applying for route protection for?No. We are currently undertaking geotechnical and environmental investigations as well as design development and having individual conversations with landowners to help us refine the corridor further. We expect to lodge the Notice of Requirements (NoR) to route protect the area for the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills by mid-2026 and for the remaining sections of the corridor by late 2026. We will share the updated maps when we lodge the NoR.Links to long plot mapsTe Hana to South of the Brynderwyn Hills preferred route mapAlternative to Brynderwyn Hills preferred route mapNorth of Waipu to Port Marsden Highway preferred route mapPort Marsden Highway to SH15/Loop Road preferred route mapSH15/Loop Road to urban Whangārei preferred route mapReminder for landowners to register your contact detailsSo that we can contact landowners as quickly and efficiently as possible, we want to make sure we have all the contact details of landowners who may be potentially affected.If you have received a letter from us advising that your property is within the preferred route, please register your contact details. Instructions on how to register your contact details are provided in your letter.It is quick and easy to register via the online form and only takes about one minute.Alternatively, please email us at [email protected] or phone us on 0800 927 293 to register your contact details.Environmental and Geotechnical InvestigationsTe Hana to Port Marsden Highway and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei investigationsA range of site investigations are needed to help us better understand how the new road could be constructed, what sort of impacts the new road may cause to the local environment, and how any potential impacts can be mitigated. The information gathered through site investigations provides important information to ensure the size of the final preferred route (or footprint of the project) is only what will be required for the future construction and operation of the new road.In the video you can see some of the geotechnical investigations underway in the Alternative the Brynderwyn Hills section.Link to YouTube videoEnvironmental assessment: spotlight on bat and lizard monitoringA number of environmental assessments are underway to help us better understand the ecology (plants and animals) living in and around the project area, such as bats and lizards.The ecology team have been carrying out bat and lizard monitoring at various locations along the preferred route in the Brynderwyn Hills Alternative section of the project.Monitoring for bats involves the placement of an acoustic bat recorder, preferably along the edge trees and potentially hanging from a tree branch 2-3m high. The acoustic bat recorder is a small, self-powered device that records ultrasounds that bats use to echolocate at night. The recorder is left on site for approximately 6 weeks before they are collected. The recorders are placed along the corridor to find out not only where bats might be living, but where they travel to and from.Lizard monitoring involves the placement of a small tile that is placed near rough grass or bushy edges on the ground and is checked a number of times over a 6-week period.Information gathered during the assessments will be used to help us plan how to manage or avoid any impacts and effects.Members of the ecology team looking for the best location to place bat monitors.Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te HanaProcurement for the project as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) is progressing well. NZTA will be moving into the negotiation stage after the evaluation of proposals is complete at the end of March 2026, with the contract expected to be awarded by end of July 2026. The successful PPP consortia is expected to start detailed design and early construction works by the end of next year.For more information on the Northland Corridor project, contact us at [email protected]

Anyone on the hunt for a real Christmas tree this year can breathe easy — we’ve scoured the internet, asked around, and rounded up all the confirmed spots from Puhoi to Mangawhai that are selling fresh, genuine trees.Here’s where you can pick up the real deal:Mangawhai – St John Ambulance191 Molesworth Drive (next to MAZ)Selling from 3–6pmA handy central spot for Mangawhai families looking for a fresh pine with the added bonus of supporting St John.Wellsford – Hammer Hardware29 Station RoadTrees from $55All funds go directly to St John AmbulanceA solid option right in the middle of town, and a chance to support an essential service.Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade2 Church Hill, WarkworthPrices start at $45Open daily 12–6pmWeekends 9am–6pmThe brigade’s annual sale is a local favourite, and trees usually move quickly once the season hits full swing.Silverdale – St John Ambulance36 Silverdale StreetSelling from their carpark during business hoursIdeal for anyone travelling south or commuting through the Hibiscus Coast.This is the full list we’re aware of at the moment, but new sellers often pop up as December rolls on.If you know of another spot offering real Christmas trees, feel free to get in touch so we can keep the community updated.Merry Christmas - Meri Kirihimete

A woman enjoying the sunshine ended up being flown to hospital, after four dogs set upon her, attacking her arms and legs.Then, when a neighbour tried to intervene, the dogs turned on him, resulting in him also being sent to hospital with bite marks across his legs.Despite both victims suffering injuries, a judge has recognised Stacey Walker-Haturini's struggles and spared her from jail.The 39-year-old woman appeared in the Whangārei District Court recently for sentencing on four charges of owning a dog that caused injury.On 15 March, 2025, Walker-Haturini was in Kaitāia, when her ex-partner allegedly let one of their four dogs out of their property on Settlement Rd in Kaiwaka.The man left and the dog was roaming, when it saw a woman on her front lawn with her own two dogs, Blue and Roxy.Blue ran over to the gate and got into a fight with Walker-Haturini's dog. Three more of Walker-Haturini's dogs came to the fence-line, and began barking and jumping at the victim.She yelled at the dogs to go home and approached the gate to let the first one out, but it bit her on the left hand.The three other dogs managed to get out under the fence, and all four began lunging and attacking the woman.The victim managed to get the dogs off by kicking and yelling, and eventually got them out of the gate.Another neighbour ran to assist her, but the dogs turned on him and he was also injured.The woman, who was in shock, and bleeding from her arms and legs, had to be airlifted by helicopter to Whangārei Hospital for treatment, while the man was transported in an ambulance.Meanwhile, Walker-Haturini, the registered owner of the dogs, heard they had got out and immediately began making her way back from Kaitāia.She called the Kaipara District Council and said her dogs were out, and asked if they could make their way to the property and lock them up.When she arrived home four hours later, she assisted in catching one of the dogs council workers were unable to restrain.The court heard that, at the time, Walker-Haturini was in the midst of a messy break-up, dealing with a death in the family and a sick grandfather, who was in hospital."It was just bang, bang, bang, one thing after another," she told Judge Peter Davey.Nathan Pilkington, the victim who assisted, told NZME the dog attack left him with several scars and an ongoing ligament injury."It has stopped me from doing things I'd normally enjoy - the gym, jiu-jitsu and simple day-to-day movement."There was also a real sense of disappointment in the lack of empathy or accountability shown by the dog owners, right up until sentencing," Pilkington said."The neighbourhood has been deeply affected too. People are now visibly on edge when they see unfamiliar dogs in public, something that never used to be the case."Kaipara council lawyer Jodi Libbey said the council and one of the complainants were both taking an empathetic approach to Walker-Haturini, and were in favour of a light sentence.She said one victim had advised the council she did not want Walker-Haturini to be fined, which - given the injuries - would have been a sizeable figure.Libbey also acknowledged Walker-Haturini had willingly agreed to euthanise the dogs, but noted further repercussions could follow."The council, upon convictions, can decide whether they disqualify her as a dog owner going forward."Walker-Haturini's lawyer, Jody Garrett, said it was accepted she was the registered owner of dogs that caused injury, but the aggravating features were nothing to do with his client."When she discovered the dogs had been released... she was distraught, rang the council saying the dog went missing and, immediately upon what had occurred, she was concerned for the dogs," Garrett said. "She's not the one that released the dogs."As Judge Davey delivered his summation, Walker-Haturini wept in the dock, noting she had heard the summary of facts repeated at every court appearance."I know it's hard to hear this," Judge Davey said.The judge said, given Walker-Haturini was not at the address when the dogs were let out, her blameworthiness was reduced."Ordinarily, my starting point would have been a sentence of imprisonment."Recognising the fact this was a serious attack and caused serious injury, but this was a situation where your culpability is towards the bottom end of the scale."Walker-Haturini was sentenced to 180 hours' community work.This story originally appeared on RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 8th December - Fine. Sea breezes developing in the morning.Tuesday 9th December - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the morning. Northerlies, turning easterly before dawn.Wednesday 10th December - Fine, then occasional rain developing in the east in the afternoon. Southeasterlies.Thursday 11th December - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Southerlies.Friday 12th December - Fine. Strong southwesterlies, easing.Saturday 13th December - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Sunday 14th December - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 8th December - Fine, but some areas of morning cloud and a possible afternoon shower. Northerlies developing in the morning.Tuesday 9th December - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, clearing to fine in the morning. Southeasterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 10th December - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the morning. Southeasterlies, becoming strong.Thursday 11th December - Partly cloudy with isolated showers developing. Southerlies.Friday 12th December -Fine. Strong southerlies, easing.Saturday 13th December - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Sunday 14th December -Partly cloudy. Light winds.

Santa Brings Smiles to the Highfield Donkey Park Santa Fun DayThe Highfield Donkey Park once again delivered festive joy with its much-loved Santa Fun Day at Algies Bay an annual tradition that draws families from across the Matakana Coast for a day of gentle animals, fresh air, and community spirit.Set against the park’s peaceful rural backdrop, visitors were greeted by the star attractions: the resident donkeys, who were more than happy to soak up pats, cuddles, and photos in their holiday surroundings.Children delighted in meeting their favourite long-eared friends, while parents enjoyed the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes Highfield Donkey Park such a treasured local destination.Santa and Mrs Claus made a cheerful appearance, adding an extra touch of Christmas magic as families gathered for photos and festive fun.The event offered far more than just animal encounters, guests explored the serene bush walks that weave from the park down to the beach, making the day as much an outdoor adventure as an animal experience.With plenty to see and do, the Santa Fun Day proved once again why Highfield Donkey Park is considered one of the happiest places to visit in our region. The combination of donkeys, nature, and good-spirited community connection created a warm and memorable experience for all ages.The team at Highfield Donkey Park extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came along and supported the event. For families seeking simple joy, gentle creatures, and a peaceful escape by the coast, the Donkey Park continues to be a place where memories are made.

Centennial Park Upgrade: A Fresh New Chapter for a Much-Loved Local ReserveCentennial Park is currently undergoing a significant upgrade, and locals are already beginning to see the benefits of the work taking shape. The project, which focuses on improving access, restoring natural features, and enhancing recreational spaces, is progressing steadily as the park is prepared for its next chapter.The renewal work has centred on modernising key infrastructure such as pathways, lighting, and drainage. These improvements are designed to make the park easier and safer to use year-round, particularly during winter when the grounds can become challenging underfoot. The upgraded pathways also strengthen accessibility for walkers, families with prams, and those with mobility needs.Landscape enhancements are another important part of the upgrade. New planting, weed control, and restoration in high-use areas are helping to revitalise the park’s natural environment while preserving its much-loved character. These changes will support the health of the bush areas and improve the overall experience for visitors exploring the network of tracks.Recreational areas are also receiving attention, with renewal work under way around entrances, carparks, and gathering points. Several ageing surfaces and structures have been replaced or refreshed to bring them up to modern standards of safety and usability. The aim is to create welcoming, durable spaces that serve local families, sports clubs, and the many community groups who use the park.Community feedback has continued to guide the project team, with park users, neighbours, and volunteer organisations offering valuable insight into how upgraded spaces can best function. This collaborative approach ensures the improvements reflect what locals want and need from their community reserve.The next stage of the project will focus on completing landscaping and finalising key recreational areas ahead of the coming season. Once finished, the upgrade will deliver a more resilient, accessible, and enjoyable Centennial Park for everyone who walks, plays, explores, and connects there.Centennial Park has long been a treasured part of the Matakana Coast, and with these improvements, it is well set for many more years of community enjoyment.

NEW ARTWORKSFamily-owned Brick Bay is pleased to unveil multiple new artworks along its renowned sculpture trail where around 70 sculptures by New Zealand artists are showcased in a beautiful natural setting, just in time for summer.This is complemented by a new summer menu featuring ingredients grown on the property and exclusive new release boutique wines from its established vineyard.Brick Bay’s General Manager, Fiona Stewart says Brick Bay is a destination in itself for those in the know, with its rare combination of accessible art, food, wine, and natural beauty.“We’re excited to create even more reasons for people to discover or come back to visit again by continuously refreshing our art and offering a range of the other experiences, including the opportunity to escape and connect with our iconic natural landscape and enjoy the food and wine we produce from it,” says Fiona.The three new artworks joining Brick Bay’s sculpture trail for the start of summer are the following, with other new installations planned in the New Year:Consequence Sequence by Auckland-based artist, Seung Yul OhPaper Pals by Hawkes Bay-based artist, Ben PearceStumping Ground, by Wellington-based artist, Turumeke Harrington (Kāi Tahu, Rangitāne).Art Manager, Rachael Lovelace says Brick Bay is proud to foster the careers of New Zealand sculptors by continuously adding new works to our sculpture trail as other artworks exhibited on our sculpture trail are sold.“While our sculpture trail is an art gallery, with all of the art available for sale, it offers something for everyone – even those who are not art afficionados – as an immersive experience and a place to pause, marvel, and reflect on the beauty and symbiosis of nature and art,” says Rachael.FOODThis is combined with the lure of unique dining experiences among the vines or in Brick Bay’s Glass House Restaurant, which is cantilevered over a shimmering lake and features a seasonal menu based on what is available in the gardens on the property.Brick Bay’s new summer menu is curated by chef Cameron Cook who joined Brick Bay in 2014 after working for Peter Gordon in the UK earlier in his career and being influenced by other notable chefs during his time at Soul Bar & Bistro in Auckland, including Greg Malouf. The new summer menu includes a dish inspired by Malouf who was regarded as the godfather of modern Middle Eastern cuisine and who passed away last year, which features sustainably caught snapper from local supplier Leigh Fish and makes the most of the abundant ingredients sustainably grown at Brick Bay.“In another new development, we are now open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights over summer, and it’s a truly special dining experience watching the sun go down over the beautiful landscape that is home to Brick Bay,” says Fiona.WINEThe whole experience is complemented by the opportunity to enjoy Brick Bay’s highly rated wine from its own vineyard, which is available only at the cellar door. The latest release is Brick Bay Rose 2025, and there is also a special limited release of its highly rated Chardonnay 2022, made from grapes hand-nurtured onsite. With a rating from Cameron Douglas MS of 94 (excellent), and only 32 cases produced, the Brick Bay Chardonnay 2022 is a very exclusive wine that captures the spirit of Brick Bay.DJ SUMMER SESSIONSEvery Saturday from 6 December to 31 January, Brick Bay comes alive with laid-back DJ sessions under the vines. From 2:30pm–5:30pm, our rotating lineup of DJs brings the perfect summer soundtrack to The Row—a breezy mix of sunshine, wine, and good vibrations in our lakeside lounge and grapevine tunnel.DJ Schedule:6 Dec – Dan Paine13 Dec – Wendy Douglas20 Dec – Hudge27 Dec – Wendy D & Dan Paine3 Jan – Wendy D10 Jan – Dan Paine17 Jan – Hudge24 Jan – Mark Laurence31 Jan – Zane TeeDJ Bios:Dan PaineA seasoned DJ with over 25 years of experience across radio, bars and festivals, Dan is known for his eclectic sets that flow effortlessly through jazz, balearic, soul, and cosmic beats. His style is all about feel and flow—perfectly tuned to the slow rhythms of a summer afternoon.Wendy DouglasWendy is an eclectic selector with a deep love for music that moves both body and mind. Her sets blend soulful melodies, global rhythms, downtempo grooves, and jazz textures, all curated with a gentle sense of flow. For Brick Bay, she leans into her more expansive, sun-drenched side—creating evocative, feel-good soundscapes that invite you to relax, connect, and let the day unfold.Dave Hudgins (Hudge)A key figure in Auckland’s music scene, Hudge brings a deep, genre-bending energy to every set. With hip hop at his roots and a wide-ranging love for house, nu-jazz, disco, and more, his selections are always vibrant, surprising, and made to move you—perfect for soaking up summer with a twist.Mark Laurence (The Mayor of Yesteryear)Mark has a knack for setting a groove that feels right from the first track. Folding flavours of the past into the present, his sets lean into retro soul, funk, and house with a fresh, feel-good touch. Expect a mellow lakeside atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a chilled rosé and a sun-dappled afternoon at Brick Bay.Zane Torkington (Zane:Tee)A long-time fixture in Aotearoa’s funk, hip hop, and Latin scenes, Zane:Tee is known for warm, groove-rich sets that lift the mood and fill the space with feel-good energy. A regular on Base FM and at venues across Tāmaki Makaurau and Northland, his Brick Bay sessions promise smooth blends, deep cuts, and golden-hour gems designed for slow sips and sunny outlooks.“With new art installations, a new menu, evening dining available for a limited time, exclusive new wine releases and Summer sounds, Brick Bay is the place to be this summer,” says Fiona.

Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs recalled as they may contain foreign matter (hard plastic).Product informationThe Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs product varieties with the following date markings are affected by this recall:Cookies & Cream (112g): BB: 11 SEP 2026Hazelnut (112g): BB: 03 SEP 2026 and 11 SEP 2026 Raspberry (112g): BB: 15 SEP 2026, 11 SEP 2026, and 16 OCT 2026.The products are packed in a plastic pouch.This recall does not affect any other Tom & Luke brand products.Where the product was soldThe products are sold at selected retail outlets and supermarkets throughout New Zealand.The products have been exported to Australia.What to do if you bought the productCustomers are asked to check the batch and date mark on the products. Affected products should not be consumed. If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice. Customers should return the products to their retailer for a full refund.What to do if you sold the productIf you are a retailer of these products, download a copy of the point-of-sale notice. You need to display it in your store for one month.Point of sale notice – Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs [PDF, 187 KB]Who to contactIf you have questions, contact Smartfoods Limited:Phone: 0800 328 935Email: [email protected]

A long-standing Warkworth workshop is calling on the community to help grow a project that is already reducing waste, supporting local families, and keeping tonnes of metal out of landfill.Chainsaw & Mower Services, based on 17 Gumfield Drive, has been repairing and servicing outdoor machinery across Rodney for more than ten years.Over the past year, the family-run business has expanded its work into a community-led machinery recovery and recycling programme — and the demand has surged far faster than expected.Each week the team collects old, unwanted, or abandoned machinery from homes, lifestyle blocks and farms. Lawn mowers, chainsaws, pumps, engines and even diggers are either refurbished and given a second life, or carefully broken down so usable parts can be salvaged and scrap metal recycled responsibly.Anything that can’t be saved is disposed of safely, preventing illegal dumping or equipment being left to rust in paddocks.The initiative has already helped local families doing it tough, with refurbished machinery donated to community members and charities such as Harbour Hospice.The business also provides free pickup, which has been a lifeline for people who can’t transport heavy equipment themselves.To keep the programme running — and expand it further across Rodney — Chainsaw & Mower Services has launched a Givealittle fundraising campaign . Donations will help cover fuel and transport, recycling fees, tools and parts, safety gear, and upgrades to their recycling yard to make the operation safer and more efficient.The team says the goal is simple: rescue more machinery, reduce waste, and support more people.“With your help, we can recover more equipment, keep more metal out of landfills, and continue supporting local families and charities,” the business says. “Your generosity truly makes a difference — one machine at a time.”For more information about what they do and for contact details head to their FB page https://www.facebook.com/mowercare

Today 3rd DecAUCKLAND Periods of rain with heavy falls developing this morning. Thunderstorms, downpours and large hail possible from around midday until evening. Northerlies, strong in exposed places, turning southwesterly this afternoon, gale gusting 90 km/h in exposed places from late evening.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 11hrs from 10am - 9pm Wed, 3 DecArea: Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria, and possibly exceed them in downpours. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 7hrs 30min from 9:30am - 5pm Wed, 3 DecArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier IslandForecast: Unstable showery conditions spread southwards onto the upper North Island today, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms over Northland and Auckland. Some of these thunderstorms may become SEVERE across eastern parts of Northland this morning and early afternoon, then Auckland around midday and through the afternoon, with localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h, large hail in excess of 20 mm diameter, strong wind gusts of 90 km/h, and a slight chance of a damaging tornado. Expect thunderstorm activity to ease by evening.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 10hrs from 9pm Wed, 3 Dec - 7am Thu, 4 DecArea: Northland and Auckland, including Great Barrier IslandForecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.NORTHLANDRain with heavy falls developing this morning. Thunderstorms, downpours and large hail possible until mid afternoon. Northwesterlies, turning gale southwesterly this evening, gusting 90 km/h.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 8hrs from 9am - 5pm Wed, 3 DecArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria, and possibly exceed them in downpours. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 7hrs 30min from 9:30am - 5pm Wed, 3 DecArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier IslandForecast: Unstable showery conditions spread southwards onto the upper North Island today, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms over Northland and Auckland. Some of these thunderstorms may become SEVERE across eastern parts of Northland this morning and early afternoon, then Auckland around midday and through the afternoon, with localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h, large hail in excess of 20 mm diameter, strong wind gusts of 90 km/h, and a slight chance of a damaging tornado. Expect thunderstorm activity to ease by evening.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 10hrs from 9pm Wed, 3 Dec - 7am Thu, 4 DecArea: Northland and Auckland, including Great Barrier IslandForecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Two children were airlifted to Starship Hospital in critical condition after a multi-injury crash that shut down a section of State Highway 1 north of Wellsford on Monday evening.Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 4.30pm, where several people were found injured following the collision. Paramedics dispatched multiple ambulances, rapid-response units and a rescue helicopter as they worked to stabilise the patients.Alongside the two critically injured children, one person was transported to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition. Another patient with moderate injuries was taken to North Shore Hospital.The crash forced the closure of SH1 between the SH16 junction and Davies Road for several hours while emergency crews worked and investigators examined the scene. Northbound motorists were diverted to SH16, while southbound drivers faced significant delays.Police said the New Zealand Police Serious Crash Unit is carrying out a full investigation into the cause of the incident.

Police are asking for the public's help finding Metallica, who has been reported missing from the Manurewa area.The 13-year-old was last seen at about 8.45am on 14 November.Metallica is described as about 160cms tall with long black hair.She is known to frequent the Wellsford area.If you have seen Metallica or have information that might help us find her, please call 111 and quote reference number 251114/0125.

Biosecurity authorities are warning that the Asian yellow-legged hornet situation in Auckland is becoming more serious, with new queens and small nests continuing to appear across Glenfield as spring ends.The species was first detected over winter, when two sluggish male hornets were found.The initial find suggested a limited incursion, but recent discoveries paint a different picture. Response teams from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have located around two dozen spring queens and several developing nests in recent weeks, indicating the population is larger and more active than anticipated.Experts say the numbers suggest the current incursion may have originated from a single nest capable of producing hundreds of queens in one season. If so, the individuals and nests found so far may represent only a small portion of the true spread.The hornet poses a significant threat to honey bees, which make up the majority of its natural prey.Overseas, established populations have caused severe hive losses, with some regions in Europe reporting declines of between 30 and 80 percent.The species also presents risks to people, as approaching or disturbing nests can result in painful stings, rapid swelling and, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions.The economic cost of managing yellow-legged hornet populations overseas has reached into the tens of millions of dollars, prompting concern that New Zealand must scale up its efforts while eradication is still achievable.MPI has increased staff numbers and is carrying out intensive searches on the ground. Their work is supported by trapping within a five-kilometre radius of detection sites, although some international evidence suggests the hornets can disperse far beyond this range. European data shows early populations spreading tens of kilometres per year, raising the possibility that the current search area will need to expand substantially.The only confirmed eradication of this species occurred on the island of Majorca, where a multi-year programme combined citizen reporting, extensive nest searches and systematic nest removal. That success, carried out over a sizeable area, suggests eradication in Auckland remains possible if the full extent of the incursion is rapidly identified.New Zealand may also benefit from locally developed toxic bait such as Vespex, widely used for wasp control. Although its effectiveness on the yellow-legged hornet is still being evaluated, the bait has previously reduced wasp numbers dramatically in large forested areas. If foraging hornets begin taking the bait, January and February are expected to be the most effective window for deployment.Later in summer, search teams expect to locate higher and more concealed nests, including those in tall tree canopies, which may require specialised equipment and long-reach tools to treat safely.Biosecurity New Zealand is continuing to urge Aucklanders to report any suspected hornets or nests. Officials say the priority is to intensify searching, establish the true boundaries of the infestation and destroy remaining nests before they can produce new queens and males.We have previously reported on how we can make our own hornet traps - for details head here.

A $50 million redevelopment plan of North Auckland's popular, now demolished Waiwera Hot Pools has been unveiled.Concept designs for the currently empty site include 28 pools and wellness experiences along with saunas, reflexology walks and gardens.Resource consent for the project, led by Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP, would be lodged with Auckland Council on Monday, the group said.The group had signed an agreement to acquire the site from landowners Urban Partners.The Waiwera site seen from above as it currently is. Photo: SUPPLIEDDirector of Waiwera Thermal Springs, Brandon Batagol, said he wanted the attraction to be a "wold-class bathing and wellness destination".Waiwera had been open in some form since the 1800's, but in 2018 the hot pools closed and were later demolished in 2023, leaving the site as a vacant piece of land."Our vision is to create a destination that reconnects people to Waiwera's geothermal heritage, culture and lush native landscape," Batagol said.Waiwera Thermal Springs concept sketch. Photo: SUPPLIED"This will be a place of genuine replenishment where wellness grows from nature."The development team behind the project had experience in thermal wellness destinations, Batagol said, and had operated the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs in Melbourne and been involved in the revival of Maruia Hot Springs in the South Island."Together, with local experts and local partners, we have taken the upmost care to deliver a plan for Waiwera Thermal Springs that will bring considerable economic and social benefits to the region whilst honouring the natural environment."He said the springs would encourage guests to "slow down" and immerse themselves in nature.Pools set amongst native forest as part of the concept renders. Photo: One to One Hundred Ltd / SUPPLIEDWaiwera was a place of deep ancestral and cultural significance for Ngāti Manuhiri, Batagol said who would be involved as development partners."We recognise this land and water as part of a living whakapapa, shaped by generations and sustained through shared principles."Sharing the plans openly with the public for the first time was "exciting", Batagol said."We look forward to continuing to work closely with Auckland Council through the Resource Consent process."In time, when we are ready to welcome visitors, we want them to come for the calm and stay for the connection in Waiwera's mineral rich hot waters."Waiwera Thermal Pools prior to its demolition. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Tom TaylorAuckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the $50 million plan had his "full backing"."Waiwera Thermal Springs is expected to attract over 310,000 visitors to the region and generate around $300 million over its first five years, drawing tourism in both winter and summer."It is optimally placed along the tourist route, making the most of what we already have there. I look forward to its opening."This story was originally published by RNZ

A coroner is again warning fishers to wear a lifejacket and not fish alone, after a man died when he was swept away at Omaha Beach, North Auckland.Younchang Ko, 67, was fishing at his favourite spot, the estuary on Omaha Beach, on March 9, 2024 when he disappeared into the water.He was found floating in the water some time later but couldn't be revived.A report by Auckland Coroner Erin Woolley released on Saturday, detailed the circumstances of Ko's death, but couldn't conclusively determine the cause."In accordance with the wishes of Younchang's family, a lesser, rather than a full, post-mortem examination of Younchang's body was carried out," Woolley explained."The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem explained that drowning is a medical diagnosis of exclusion that can only be made after a full post-mortem examination has been performed."Ko was found to have a heart disease, which made it unclear whether his cause of death was drowning or a heart complication.On the day of Ko's death, he was fishing alone."Other people at the beach saw him fishing in knee-deep water near the mouth of the estuary at the northern end of the beach. For the next three and a half hours, Younchang stood in the water fishing, and did not appear to reposition himself when the tide began to rise," the Coroner wrote.As the tide continued to rise and the current got stronger, Ko eventually called for help."A person nearby responded asking Younchang if he was okay, but he did not reply. He then went under the water and did not make any attempt to swim. He was still holding his fishing rod."One witness called emergency services while another entered the water to try and pull Ko out, but the current was too strong.Eventually they lost sight of the fisherman, and lifeguards from the Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club later found him floating face-down in the water."One of the attending lifeguards noted that Younchang was wearing a full wetsuit with water shoes and a hat," the Coroner detailed."When he was retrieved from the water, he still had a container attached to his arm, containing rope and possibly a bag of bait. He was not wearing a life jacket."Coroner Woolley said the case highlighted the importance of wearing a lifejacket and fishing in a group of at least two people."The longer a fisher can stay afloat, the more chance there is for emergency services or lifeguards to reach that person and successfully save their life. This is the single most effective measure for preventing drowning fatalities."This story was originally published by RNZ

Peter de GraafClass action has been filed against national grid operator Transpower and its maintenance contractor Omexom over the toppling of a power pylon in mid-2024 that cut power to the entire Northland region.The legal action is being taken on behalf of the roughly 20,000 businesses affected by the outage and, if successful, could end up costing the two companies millions of dollars.Hannah Brown, a partner in Sydney-based law firm Piper Alderman, said no specific sum was mentioned in the legal papers filed late on Wednesday - but an estimate last June by economic consultants Infometrics put the cost to businesses at $60 million while the Northland Chamber of Commerce gave a figure of $80m.A report last year by Transpower found the pylon at Glorit, northwest of Auckland, fell over on 20 June last year when contractors removed the nuts from at least two of its legs at once.Transpower staff working at dawn to install a temporary tower after a pylon collapse cut power to most of Northland in June 2024. Photo: TranspowerBrown said a subsequent review by the Electricity Authority concluded the collapse was caused by "entirely avoidable" factors including inadequate procedures and training."This wasn't just another power outage or an accidental or unforeseeable event like a weather event or a storm. It was something that was completely avoidable, and for that reason, we think those responsible should be held to account, and if they aren't, that just breeds a sense of complacency in the future."The power cut affected about 180,000 people.Most homes had power restored within seven hours but some large businesses, such as timber mills and dairy plants, lost more than three days' worth of production while restaurants had to throw away spoiled food.After pressure from Northland MP Grant McCallum and the local Chamber of Commerce, Transpower and Omexom each contributed $500,000 to a "resilience fund" for projects designed to lift the region's economy.However, Brown said that amount was "completely disproportionate and insufficient" given the actual losses suffered by Northland businesses.Along with Piper Alderman, the class action was being run by New Zealand law firm LeeSalmonLong and bankrolled by litigation funder Omni Bridgeway.Brown said it was intended to be an "opt-out" lawsuit, which meant all affected businesses would be included unless they chose not to take part.There was no cost to businesses taking part, but if the "no win, no pay" class action was successful, the funder would take a commission.Without class action, Brown said it was hard for individual businesses to take on the might and resources of a state-owned enterprise like Transpower or a large multinational such as Omexom.Omexom's France-based parent company, VINCI Group, declared net income of just under $10 billion last year."This is about giving businesses access to justice and an opportunity to group together to fight for compensation," she said.Class actions have been rare in New Zealand, and reputedly hard to win, in the past.However, Brown said that was changing thanks to recent reforms making class actions more accessible.Successful cases, such as the ASB's settlement in a banking class action over disclosure breaches, showed the legal landscape was evolving.She said the law firms were confident they had a strong case, much of which was built on Transpower and Electricity Authority reports."We wouldn't be pursuing this if we didn't believe it had strong prospects," she said.Northland businesses affected by the outage would be invited to register and provide information about their losses.Some were already on board but now that the class action had been filed, it would be much easier to engage openly with affected businesses across Northland.If the class action was successful, Brown said compensation would be distributed among those businesses in proportion to their losses.A Transpower spokesman confirmed legal papers had been served on the company late on Wednesday, but would not comment given that the matter was before the courts.Omexom could not be contacted.This story was originally published by RNZ